The Detroit Lions officially pulled the trigger on two major personnel moves on Saturday afternoon, issuing pink slips to coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn.
Patricia’s tenure in the Motor City ended nearly three years after it began, while Quinn had arrived nearly five years ago.
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And while Quinn’s decisions as GM were largely maligned, he wasn’t without a few successes on the job. Let’s take a look back at his best moves during his time in Detroit.
Acquiring Damon “Snacks” Harrison
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Spending only a 5th round draft selection, the addition of the veteran defensive tackle from the New York Giants instantly provided a boost to Detroit’s defense. After his acquisition, Detroit only surrendered 925 rushing yards, good for 4th in the NFL.
Signing Marvin Jones Jr.
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The Lions were in need of a wideout threat after the retirement of Calvin Johnson, and were able to pry Jones away from the Cincinnati Bengals. Since arriving in the Motor City, Jones has been one of the most consistent weapons at QB Matthew Stafford’s disposal. He was also ranked the NFL’s 4th best pass catcher for the 2019 season.
Trading the 85th overall pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for the 96th overall and 124th overall picks
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Thanks to this move, the Lions used the 96th selection they received from the Patriots to select young wide receiver Kenny Golladay out of Northern Illinois. Golladay showed signs of promise during his rookie season, and it wasn’t long before he emerged as the team leader in receptions. He enjoyed a breakout season in 2019, earning a Pro-Bowl selection and led the NFL with 11 receiving touchdowns.
Drafting Frank Ragnow
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After being drafted by the Lions in 2018 out of Arkansas, Ragnow was soon moved from guard to center, and the move paid immediate dividends. He was also recently ranked the 7th best center in the NFL.
Drafting Taylor Decker
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Left tackle Taylor Decker has been among the League’s best at his position since being drafted out of Ohio State in 2016. Currently, he’s ranked eighth amongst all tackles in the NFL at 83.5, and is making a strong case to become the first Detroit Lions offensive lineman to be named to the Pro Bowl since Kevin Glover.
